World of Disney Annual Passholder Sale

I survived! :)

Leaving a little later than we planned, my Disney-Sis & I left about 4am to head up to Disney's version of Black Friday. Arriving just before 5:30am, the line was crazy! The line wrapped around the building! Standing in line across from Arribas & Basin, we waited patiently. A CM walked around the line about 6am, announcing that wristbands would be given out to the 1st 1000 in line. Once they ran out, that was it. At about 6:15, I got my wristband! YAY!!

At 6:30, they did promptly open the doors, but we did not get inside until close to 6:45. That was when we saw the true length of the line. The line was still wrapping around the building as we went in the doors. CMs were so nice..handing out shopping baskets/bags as we entered the store.

We ran all over the store to see what the door-buster sales were. There were quite a few...PotC figurines, Disney pj's, stuffed animals, clocks, watches..there were deals in every room. CM's were right on top of things...keeping doorbusters organized..helping people find things...even making sure that we knew exactly what was on sale! Most organized of all was the free giveaway line!

Believe it or not, this was the most organized give-away I have seen. The free give-away was stationed at The Bippity Boppity Boutique. A line was snaked around the room. As you approached the Boutique, a CM cut the wristband off your arm & another CM handed you a Vinylmation Doll. And that was it! Very organized & quickly done. Kudos, WoD on that one!!

The lines & the crowds were another story. I think we shopped an extra hour just so we didn't have to stand in the monstrous lines. In walking around that extra hour, we did spy Santa Goofy & WDW Moms Panel Mom, Erin Foster (@MomsPanelErin).

All in all, the experience was good. Would definately do it again. As a matter of fact, Disney did add an additional 2 more Saturdays of Passholder & DVC Members Appreciation Days (12/12 & 12/19) from 8-10 am. This time, the sales have been extended to other stores in DtD...Once Upon A Toy, Disney's Pin Traders, Team Mickey, Tren-D, Disney Days of Christmas, Pooh's Corner, Mickey's Mart & Goofy's Candy Company. The flier announces up to 50% off select merchandise, special doorbusters, surprise markdowns, purchase with purchase offers. A complimentary gift to the first 1,000 at World of Disney will be held again on both Saturdays. You do have to have a Gov't issued ID along with your pass in order to enter the store & shop (they do check them!)

Anyhow, looks like I will be heading to bed early again the next couple Fridays! If you happen to go to the sale, look for me in line or in the store & say hi!

Downtown Disney & the Annual Passholder Sale

Can you say excitement?

This Saturday, my Disney-Sister & I will leave our homes at 3am & head for Downtown Disney(DTD) in search of some great deals at the Annual Passholder Sale at World of Disney(WoD) or Disney's version of Black Friday. Are we crazy...possibly. I'll be sure to let you know after we get back home!

We went to WoD last weekend to "scope out the joint". We made lists of things we wanted & what room they were in. Mapping out our plan of attack included speaking to a manager about the event as well. In doing some research on previous annual passholder sales, last year was reported to have been crazy...selling out of $3 mouse ears in no time. The free give-away last year was reported to be insane, with CM throwing the items into the crowd instead of handing them to people as they walked in the door.

Of course, being ever so politically correct, the manager could not confirm or deny anything. But, when asked the right questions, for example-instead of "when you hand out the free vinylmation dolls" use "If you were to hand something out", I got some answers! While they will not confirm or deny the free VinylMation dolls this weekend to the first 1000 people, I was told that IF something were to be given out, it would be in an orderly fashion. I was also told that there will only be 1 entrance into WoD Saturday morning. Of course, which entrance was not stated yet, but was promised that it would be a crowd controlled environment and in place before people were lining up that morning. Another thing to remember is that this is an event for passholders ONLY. You must have your annual pass & Gov't issued ID with you.

So, in hopes of getting my 1st VinylMation Doll (yes, my 1st...and wondering if this will be the first of many), I will be there! I am also hoping to see some of the 2009 Mom's Panel ladies at the sale (@beautygirlsmom, @MomsPanelErin & @mefries). Although, I am hoping to see you in line. I'll be too busy shopping once we get inside ;)

Birthdays last for a weekend, right? Part 1

Yay..me :)

Since it was my birthday, and we were lucky enough to have a bye-week that weekend, that could only mean one thing.....Disney for the weekend!!

Just so you know, I am a slight bit OCD. My house must be clean before we leave & all laundry must be done. So, with that being said & after being at Disney on Thursday, there was a lot of work to do on Friday before we left! Needless to say, left later than I thought but oh well. We'll still be able to get an early start on Saturday!

The major excitement of Saturday was the fact that Magic Kingdom was open til 1am! This meant that after 10 pm, most of the lines die down. No Florida sun & heat to beat down on you. 

Since we are true theme park people, we also have Universal Passes as well. We decided to get up early & hit Rip Ride Rocket. What an incredible ride. I personally did not ride that, but the 3 older kiddos did. Basically, they waited 70 minutes (which was a short wait according to many people I spoke with) which gave me plenty of time to take Princess Peanut on some rides for her. Highlight of the day..pictures with Shrek & Donkey & riding ET for the first time! She is getting so big. *sigh*  Got some great pictures of the kids on R3. They basically gave it 2 thumbs-up & 1 "it was okay". They liked picking the music track for the ride, but said it was hard to hear.

The afternoon adventure was great, although it was about 100 degrees..no joke. Time for some pool-time back at the hotel :)

Celebrate.....ME :)

picture taken by Maria Elkin-not bad for a camera phone ;)

OK….
How often do you take time out of your day to celebrate the things you need to? Or do you just celebrate when it’s convenient? Most of the time, life is so busy & hectic, we tend to push off celebrations until it’s convenient for everyone. But, thanks to Disney this year, we will stop and celebrate when we have to!

I have lived in Fl since 1973-74-ish. For as long as I can remember back, we always went to Disney twice a year. We always went at some point over the summer & for my birthday in October. For quite a few years, my dad’s company gave out tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. That’s quite a few trips. And since we have had passes, we average a trip every 2 weeks. But I can honestly say, in all of those years & trips, we never went to Disney on my actual birthday.

This year, I did.

We didn’t get as early of a start as I would have liked, but we did arrive at the Magic Kingdom at about 12:30...just in time for the Move It Shake It Celebrate It Party. We skipped down Main Street & danced in the street with Baloo & sang along with Mickey. Even though I have seen this before, it was different because it was MY birthday this time J I think just about every cast member between the entrance & the castle stopped to tell me Happy Birthday. It was so neat!

Only having a few hours in the Kingdom, we hit a few of the standard you-can’t-go-to-the-MK-and-not-ride rides...Haunted Mansion & Pirates of the Caribbean. By naptime, we had successfully danced, sang, spooked & swaggered all over the land.

Even though I only had a few hours to play, this was definitely one of the most magical birthdays ever. Celebrating with me was The Boy, Peanut & Peanut’s friend. I have to admit, this was a great promotion. I never would have stopped everything to celebrate on a Thursday under any other circumstances. So, Disney, I say thank you. Thank you for forcing me to stop & celebrate me. I had fun.

TTA PeopleMover...where is Mr Morow?

picture taken by Maria Elkin-not bad for a camera phone ;)

WEDPeopleMover
Tomorrowland Transit Authority (or TTA)
TTA PeopleMover
Everyone is familiar with this popular Tomorrowland Attraction. You know the one…the little blue cars on the track above that circle Tomorrowland. When I was younger, this ride was awesome because it took you inside Space Mountain without having to ride Space Mountain. Tomorrowland has seen many changes throughout the years, but the TTA really hasn’t changed much.
Until now.
The actual ride itself is the same. Disney has decided this past week to update the audio track. And the blogsphere has gone wild. Since I was going to be visiting Disney on my birthday, I decided to see if it was really as bad as everyone said it was.
It was as bad. It was almost worse. L There was no more Mr. Morrow.
“Paging Mr. Tom Morrow. Your Party from Saturn has arrived. Please give them a ring.”
The ride was never a thrill ride or even a flashy ride. It was a simple ride, narrated by a futuristic woman. There was a theme to the ride. You were riding the Blue Line of the TTA. The woman spoke as you went around the “town” as if it were a real transportation system. It was cheesy, but cute. I know there were a few other jokes, but none as memorable as Mr. Morrow. The ride is now narrated by a guy in a very blah tone. It’s more like a talking park map.
Now that Mr. Morrow and future lady are gone, they did add in character voices as you pass by the appropriate area. For example, Mickey Mouse speaks as you pass thru Mickey’s Star Traders. Buzz Lightyear as you enter Buzz’s Space Ranger Spin. Roz has a laugh as you pass the Laugh Floor. These additions were cute. Well, at least the 2 toddlers I had with me seemed to enjoy it.
There is a petition out to save Mr. Morrow. Apparently, the ImaginEars (I think that’s how they spell it…lol) are looking to see how the general public takes the change. So, if the Disney powers that be see this, please...PLEASE…bring back Mr. Morrow.
Have you heard it? Tell me what you think….

Examiner article by Peggy MacDonald

Petition Link

Princess Peanut turns 2

Princess Peanut has turned 2.

And where do you think she wanted to go for her birthday?


If you guessed Disney, you are correct. Sorry...no prize this time ;)


We went to the Magic Kingdom for birthday number 2. She was lucky enough to have her best friend (who is also a member of a Disney family...another blog) with us for the day. The park was beautifully decorated for Halloween. Wait times were at a crazy all time low for the day & the weather was great! Couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

Princess Peanut was so excited to be there that day, she decided to stop & actually pose for pictures in front of the train station! Normally, she wouldn't stand still for anything. But on this day, she decided to pose...for 15 minutes!! It was so cute :) Pink Tiara and all, she was ready to rule the land for the day.

We rode all of her favorite rides & did all of her favorite things...TTA, Buzz Lightyear, Haunted Mansion. We visited Minnie & Mickey's houses. Rode the tea cups. Sailed on Its A Small World. Took Pictures with Stitch. Carried napping babies onto Pirates (you *can't* leave the MK without riding Pirates). Caught a monorail to Epcot & watched the fireworks. Ice Cream at McDonalds on the way home.

In all of that, after about 10 hours, 6 kids & 2 parks , the moment of the day came when leaving Its A Small World. She wanted to walk to the stroller, so since she is all "grown" now at 2, I held her hand & let her walk. About 1/2 way to the stroller parking, she started jumping up & down. As I stopped to look down at her, she jumped on my leg, wrapping her arms & legs around my leg, and just hugged me with the biggest smile on her face. Its those kinds of smiles & these kinds of moments that keep me going back to Disney again & again .

Oh & btw, she wore the tiara ALL day...even napped in it :)

Nothing like spending the day in the park with your best friend on your birthday!

My Family

OK, I am ready to get this blog rolling :)

Before I start, since there are so many of us, I should probably introduce everyone. That way, as you follow along, you'll know who I am talking about! 

The Boy-

DS just recently turned 18. Graduated high school & starting to really develop an appreciation for Disney at a deeper level. He holds true to the original concepts of Disney, loves the Mouse, and all history behind it. His all time favorite - Jack Skellington & anything Nightmare :)

Mini-Me-

DD1 is just about 15(in 11 days) and is a carbon copy of me. Do you know what it is like to argue with a teenage version of your current self?? Not so much an adventurist, but more of an appreciative soul, she too loves the parks and can't wait to celebrate her "Fantastic 15th Flip-Floppin' Birthday Fiasco" at the parks. Her fave...Marie from the Aristocats. Quite fitting...lol

Future Headache-

DD2 is 13, almost 14(in December) and is exactly what her name says. She is my adventurer...my free spirit...my little spitfire. While very close to DD1, (almost twin-like) she is totally different. Will ride just about any ride at all... Her favorite...Chip & Dale

Peanut-

DD4 is brand new 2. Also known as Princess Peanut when she feels like wearing her tiara, which is quite often. She also has more than one, so they match whatever she is wearing. She is quite the leader, often dictating which way to go at the parks. Yes, at 2, she has her favorites. Her since-day 1-fave...Piglet.

Well, now you have met our Disney crazed family. I hope this helps.

Ticker-Tape on Main Street

Buzz Lightyear has been to infinity & beyond.

And then he went to Disney World.

Having a toddler who loves Buzz Lightyear, I knew for certain we had to be there. The parade was Friday, October 2nd. All week we talked about rockets & going to Disney to see Buzz. I talked my friend & her 2 yo into going as well. So, as soon as she got to my house, we loaded up both babies & were off!

We found our place on Main Street for the parade just before 2pm. The kick-off to the parade was 2:45pm, so we had plenty of time. It was so neat. a CM named "Skip" came out and gave the backstory on Buzz & his adventure (Disney Parks Blog covered the event.).


The parade started off with a dancers, dwarfs & Snow White in honor of the re-release of Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs.



First in the line-up was the Disney Marching Band.



Then Buzz Aldrin was next. I have to admit, it was neat to actually see one of the first astronauts to land on the moon.




Next was Mike Fink, dressed in his official NASA blues. As he stopped in front of us, he donned a pair of Mickey Ears.



Finally, Buzz arrived....riding on RC. Yes, it was actually the 12" toy that was in space that was in the parade. I can't tell you how excited Peanut was to see Buzz riding on RC. It definately was not what I expected...but it was cute.




As Buzz got in front of the Main Street Emporium, the ticker-tape madness began. Confetti shot from the roofs, cameras flashed. And then Buzz continued around the circle.

I don't know why I thought that the big Buzz Lightyear character would be in the parade. Overall, it was a great experience. I had 2 very happy, satisfied toddlers that afternoon. Since we didn't have to leave for a while, we headed off to ride, what else...Buzz Lightyear!

We are *Disney*

"It's a world of laughter...a world of tears.  It's a world of hope & a world of fears."  

Go ahead, feel free to sing along.  I am sure you know the words.  We are Disney people.  By "we", I mean myself, my other-half & our 5 children.  We are starting our 2nd year as Annual Passholders, and couldn't be happier.  

I have always been a Disney fan.  Living in Florida makes that easy.  Living less than 90 minutes away makes it even easier.  As a little girl, we visited the parks at least twice a year.  Since becoming Passholders, or "Disney People" as we call it, we visit more than that.  Waayy more.

So, I bet you are saying to yourself, "how can someone go to Disney that many times & not be bored?"  I have been asked this question so many times.  Each time a different answer.  After so many times & so many different answers, I decided it's time to document all of our memories & adventures.

Consider this an "additional adventure."  

I hope you join us!